Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style.
Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings
is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a
qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being
technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent
broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big
financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually
adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to
keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band,
label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.

1. Tears Of A Mandrake2.Jerusalem3.Out Of Control4.The Headless Game5.Scarlet Rose6.Nailed To The Wheel7.Vain Glory Opera8.Theater Of Salvation9.Key To My Fate10.Deadmaker11.Land Of The Miracle12.Until We Rise Again13.The Unbeliever14.The Devil And The Savant15.Wings Of A Dream16.For A Trace Of Life17.But Here I Am18.La Marche De Gendarmes19.Avantasia (live)20.Walk On Fighting (live)21.Wake Up The King (live)22.All The Clowns - video23.The Headless Game – video

If you are keeping yourself from following the major players in Heavy Metal these days you are probably still missing out on EdGuy. However if you have been smart and following the times you will already be well aware of this German Power Metal act led by Tobias Sammett. Since 1995 the band has been releasing well-crafted Metal to the listener and this 2 CD collection “Hall Of Flames” focuses on the music on the AFM Records label. My first exposure to EdGuy was on the live release “Burning Down The Opera” and at the time their music was difficult to get in the USA. Now that the group is on Nuclear Blast Records we have seen their latest efforts a little easier. This partnership with Locomotive Music and AFM allows potential fans the chance to absorb some of their earlier material. In addition to some classic tracks the band also gives you rarities, unreleased gems, live tracks and two videos. 21 songs in all make this a worthy compilation even without the added video clips.

From the first CD songs like “Tears Of A Mandrake” and “Vain Glory Opera” capture the essence of what the band is about musically. Full of rich harmonies and very powerful musicianship EdGuy is a band that has a consistent style about them. The material is for the most part catchy as you will find in most of the tracks on this CD. These are among my favorite tracks from the AFM albums. CD2 was more of the treat for me as I liked getting the chance to hear some unreleased tracks and the bonuses. With the song “But Here I Am” you get a rocker with a big sing-along chorus of the type EdGuy is often famous for. The song “La Marche De Gendarmes” is just a laugh riot from start to finish. The band also proves that they rock in the live sense by having three stellar performance tracks on this CD. I leaned towards “Avantasia” and “Wake Up The King” of the three included on this CD. The videos that are featured on CD2 need to be played on one’s computer and not a conventional DVD player.

I can’t recommend this band enough to the Metal fan and this is not only based on my enjoyment of their music. This is combined with the fact that I have seen them perform and can stress that they are wild, energetic and super talented. The sampling of their back catalog on this CD can attest to this stance. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy something special from one of the greatest Heavy Metal bands to come around in a long time.